Scripture Text: Judges 9:1-57
In that way God punished Abimelech for all the bad things he had done. Abimelech sinned against his own father by killing his 70 brothers. God also punished the men of the city of Shechem for the bad things they had done. So the things said by Jotham son of Gideon came true.
Judges 9:56-57
The whole chapter 9 of Judges was the conspiracy story of Abimelech, the only son of Gideon from his slave girl/concubine. This was an account of his violent grab of power. The seeds of his offense are found in Israel's continuing apostasy, in its request for a warrior-king and rejection of the Lord, and in his father Gideon's misdeeds and mistakes.
Abimelech rose to power by ruthlessly killing his own 70 brothers by the help of Shechemites. He was then "made king" at Shechem (vv 1- 6). But Jotham, the only younger brother who escaped from Abimelech's murderous rampage, provided a strong indictment of Abimelech's actions by means of a fable (vv 7-21).
The fable depicts the noble trees of the forest each in turn rejecting the call to kingship, which is finally accepted by the ignoble bramble bush (vv 8-15). In this context, it is an indictment of the Shechemites (who have chosen the ignoble Abimelech as king), of Abimelech himself, and of the process by which this "king" was chosen (see esp Jotham's comments in vv 16-20). It is not an indictment of the institution of kingship in general, however, since the overall thrust of the book is that a proper king would have been good for Israel.
The ignoble Abimelech, who had been "made king" by the people of Shechem, not by God, he could only rule as a secondary commander, not as a true king. Abimelech was not true king; the institution of a valid monarchy in Israel would have to await on a later time.
The Lord actively opposed Abimelech, in return for the evil he had done in killing his brothers. The "evil" (Hb. ra'ah) sent by God to effect the discord (v23) led directly to God' s repaying the "wickedness" (Hb. ra'ah) of Abimelech and Shechemites (vv 56-57). The fire that was a sign of Abimelech's poor choice (vv 15, 20) brought the downfall of Shechem and Abimelech (49, 52), and these two devoured each other as Jotham's fable had foretold.
The author of Proverbs reminded the readers (both believers and non-believers):
The Lord clearly sees everything you do. He watches where you go. The sins of the wicked will trap them. Those sins will be like ropes holding them back. Evil people will die because they refuse to be disciplined. They will be trapped by their own desires (Proverbs 5:21-23)
Reflect
Judges 9:1-57 is a significant portion of the Bible that tells the story of Abimelech, the son of Gideon, and the events that transpired in his quest for power. Here are some lessons and reflections from this passage:
1. The Consequences of Ambition and Power Hunger: Abimelech's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the lust for power. He was willing to kill his own brothers and commit heinous acts to become a ruler. This reminds us of the corrupting influence of power when pursued for selfish reasons.
2. The Role of Manipulation and Deceit: Abimelech used manipulation and deceit to gain the support of the people of Shechem. This illustrates the destructive power of dishonesty and how it can lead to division and conflict.
3. The Importance of Leadership with Integrity: Judges 9 highlights the need for leaders who lead with integrity and justice. Abimelech's leadership was marked by violence and tyranny, which brought misery to the people. This stands in stark contrast to the biblical ideal of leadership rooted in righteousness and fairness.
4. The Consequences of Idolatry: The people of Shechem's willingness to follow Abimelech and support him in his wickedness reflects the dangers of idolatry. They abandoned God for a human leader, which led to their downfall. This serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's faith and not placing human leaders above God.
5. The Role of Retribution: The story of Abimelech ultimately ends in his death, which can be seen as a form of divine retribution for his wicked actions. This demonstrates the biblical concept of divine justice, where wrongdoers are held accountable for their deeds.
6. The Importance of Unity: The story also underscores the importance of unity among God's people. The people of Shechem's division and infighting allowed Abimelech to seize power. Unity among believers is essential for maintaining a strong community and resisting the influence of corrupt leaders.
7. God's Sovereignty: Despite the chaos and wickedness in the story, God remains sovereign. His purposes ultimately prevail, and even in the midst of human folly and sin, His plan is at work. This can be a source of comfort and hope in challenging times.
Remember
God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day (Psalm 7:11)
Read
2 Timothy 4:8
Hebrews 10:30, 31
Pray
Heavenly Father,
As we reflect on the story of Abimelech in Judges 9:1-57, we come before you with humble hearts, seeking guidance and wisdom.
Lord, we ask for the discernment to recognize the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power for selfish gain. Help us to avoid the pitfalls of pride and arrogance that can lead us astray.
We pray for leaders in our world today, that they may lead with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to justice. May their actions be guided by righteousness and fairness, bringing prosperity and well-being to those they serve.
Lord, guard us against the allure of idolatry, the temptation to put anything or anyone above you. Keep our hearts steadfast in faith, rooted in your word, and committed to your ways.
We also acknowledge the importance of unity among your people. In a world often marked by division and strife, grant us the grace to come together, to support one another, and to stand firm against the influence of corrupt leaders.
Finally, Lord, we trust in your sovereignty. Even in times of chaos and uncertainty, we believe in your divine plan and justice. Help us to find comfort and hope in your unwavering presence and guidance.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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